Summary:
BSNL has proposed a Rs 77,000 crore investment over the next five years to deploy an additional 2 lakh 4G sites and expand high-speed coverage across India, while also planning for a future 5G rollout. The telecom operator has already installed nearly 1 lakh 4G sites, with its FY2026-27 capital allocation rising to Rs 21,588 crore. BSNL is also exploring deeper collaboration with Vodafone Idea, which could create additional revenue opportunities, although no further partnership details have been finalised.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s state-owned telecom operator, has proposed a capital investment of Rs 77,000 crore over the next five years. As part of the plan, the company aims to deploy an additional 2 lakh 4G sites to expand high-speed network coverage across the country. BSNL has also proposed introducing 5G services in the near future and has submitted the plan to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
BSNL has already deployed nearly 1 lakh 4G sites nationwide. Earlier reports indicated that the operator was also preparing to seek Cabinet approval for placing further orders for 4G sites.
Telecom Department Reports Higher BSNL Capital Allocation for FY2026-27
In a written submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, the Department of Telecommunications reported an increase in BSNL’s capital allocation for FY2026-27. The amount cited by the department was Rs 21,588 crore.
The proposed expansion of 4G infrastructure is aimed at closing existing network coverage gaps. BSNL currently has the lowest average revenue per user (ARPU) among private telecom operators and continues to operate at a loss. The state-owned company is also preparing for a possible 5G rollout and has reportedly been testing the technology. BSNL previously demonstrated its 5G capabilities at India Mobile Congress (IMC) events in 2024 and 2025.
BSNL has also identified potential areas for deeper cooperation with Vodafone Idea. Vi already leases telecom infrastructure from BSNL, and the two companies are reportedly discussing expanded collaboration. If finalised, such an arrangement could provide an additional revenue opportunity for BSNL. However, the details of any further partnership between the two operators have not yet been finalised.
